“Starting tonight in Louisiana, we’re going to have a big win there. We’re very confident,” the GOP presidential candidate told a crowd here. “You folks are going to have a big role.” He added, Republicans should nominate “someone who understands the walk that we’re walking.”

The former senator said it is places like this and his political home state of Pennsylvania that should determine the Republican nomination, rather than deep red or deep blue states.

During a visit to Sheboygan, Mr. Santorum stopped by a bowling alley and bowled three-consecutive strikes, known as a “turkey.” He also irked a few local Moose International members who were trying to finish up a bowling tournament amid a throng of TV cameras and reporters trailing Mr. Santorum.

Some political race watchers have speculated that if Mr. Santorum does not carry Wisconsin, with its mix of blue-collar voters and ardent conservatives, his underdog quest for the nomination is all but finished.

Mr. Santorum appears to be more focused on the conservative GOP base, often accusing Mr. Romney of drafting his policies on an “Etch A Sketch.”

And multiple times Saturday, he aligned himself with Mr. Walker, the Republican governor here who faces a recall election after pushing to curtail collective bargaining rights for public employee unions.

“I will do everything I can that Gov. Walker wants me to do,” Mr. Santorum said to applause. The audience was less enthusiastic when the senator directly targeted unions.

“There is nothing more insidious to freedom than the expansive growth of government,” he said. “And, of course, the No. 1 advocate for the expansive growth of government is the public sector employee unions.”

A recent Rasmussen poll showed Mr. Romney leading Mr. Santorum here 46% to 33%, and Mr. Santorum acknowledged he appears to be behind in Wisconsin. “We’ve become back before,” he said. “Now it’s time for the voters of Wisconsin to lead.”

Mr. Santorum blamed the perception that his campaign is fading on members of the media, who he said were tired after four-straight months on the campaign trail and want to go home. “I get it,” he said. “I’m tired, too.”

About Washington Wire

Washington Wire is one of the oldest standing features in American journalism. Since the Wire launched on Sept. 20, 1940, the Journal has offered readers an informal look at the capital. Now online, the Wire provides a succession of glimpses at what’s happening behind hot stories and warnings of what to watch for in the days ahead. The Wire is led by Reid J. Epstein, with contributions from the rest of the bureau. Washington Wire now also includes Think Tank, our home for outside analysis from policy and political thinkers.